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COSTA LEAGUE STATS 2015/16

Costa is the fourth player at the club to wear a protective mask this season after facial injuries to central defender Gary Cahill, left back Cesar Azpilicueta and midfielder Nemanja Matic.

‘Costa has been showing for weeks that he’s of big importance to the team,’ said Hiddink. ‘Also, when everyone was very critical of him, he has controlled himself very well and is focused on his job. We are very happy with his performances on and off the pitch.’

Chelsea are unbeaten since Hiddink took over from Jose Mourinho in December, but the Dutchman admitted that the club could be a tough sell to potential signings if they are not in the Champions League next season.

Nemanja Matic is one of FOUR Chelsea players forced to wear a protective mask this season

Defenders Cesar Azpilcueta (left) and Gary Cahill (right) have also been stricken by facial injuries this term

Cesc Fabregas (left) and captain John Terry (right) have both sported protective masks in the past

Former Chelsea players Fernando Torres (left) and Petr Cech were no strangers to wearing masks

Demba Ba (left) and Ramires (right) are another pair of former Chelsea players to do Zorro impressions

Former defender Paulo Ferreira was one of the first Chelsea players to wear a mask back in 2011

They face Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16, with the first leg in France on Tuesday, but few would expect Chelsea to win the competition.

‘The club must offer ambition, even when you don’t play in the Champions League next year,’ said Hiddink. ‘It’s difficult, but if a club with a big status can offer ambition for the future, then you can still be attractive to players.’

Hiddink, who took Chelsea to the semi-final in his previous spell in 2009, demanded changes to the fixture schedule to help give Champions League teams more time to prepare for matches.

Manchester City are threatening to field a second string in their FA Cup clash with Chelsea on Sunday week because they travel to Ukraine the next day, ahead of their Champions League tie against Dynamo Kiev on the Wednesday.